Rugby: Newcastle Falcons pair can lift Blaydon

BLAYDON will be looking for young props Trevor Davison and Andrew Foster to lay the platform for victory at home to Coventry today.

They pack down together in the absence of Robbie Kalbraier with a back problem, which he hopes to sort out prior to next week's relegation battle at Hull Ionians.

While Foster has been dual-registered with Newcastle Falcons this season, Davison has been handed a two-year contract by the Premiership club and Blaydon coach Micky Ward believes he can make the grade.

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Coventry, sixth in National One, will present a formidable challenge. But in six visits to Crow Trees the best they have managed is a draw.

Skipper Keith Laughlin returns for Blaydon, with Andrew Archibald moving up to lock for Andrew Davidson, who has a hip injury.

Fraser Wilson is back on the wing and Andrew Baggett returns to the bench.

Darlington Mowden Park entertain bottom club Macclesfield aiming to avenge a 46-13 defeat in November at the height of their six-game slump.

That was one of only two wins for the Cheshire club, who aim to shrug off what looks certain relegation by selling some land to fund ambitious development plans.

Mowden recall Talite Vaioleti to partner Joe Craggs at lock, with Jack Payne moving up to prop. Simon Uzokwe and Luca Petillo return to the back row.

With James Fitzpatrick starting at centre and Garry Law at fly half, Chris Auld is at full back and Josh Bragman drops to the bench.

Billingham recall Michael Whinn at lock for the National Three North trip to Cleckheaton, whose win at Greenwood Road in November brought their hosts' good start to a juddering halt.

The mayor of Durham, Eddie Bell, will be a guest at Hollow Drift to watch the clash between his two former clubs, Durham City and West Hartlepool.

Both need to win for different reasons, with West trying to stay in touch with leaders Pocklington while City's run of five defeats has dropped them into relegation danger.

West have narrowly won both meetings this season, the first coming in the Durham Cup, and will be favourites again with key men returning.

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